SOP 111-114

Training and Verification

• The Training Division provides training necessary to maintain State certifications required for employees' job classifications.
• Employees are responsible for attending training when offered.
• Grounds for disciplinary action include:
  • Procuring or renewing a certification/license by fraudulent means
  • Being convicted of a crime related to EMT or paramedic practice
  • Unprofessional conduct
  • Practicing without reasonable skill and safety
  • Sexual misconduct
  • Failing to report violations of these rules

Application Process for Department Classes

• Department Classes are developed to address the training needs of the Department.
• Personnel who wish to attend these classes must apply following the instructions given on the class announcement.
• Applicant selection procedures may be based on:
  • First come, first served
  • Rank-based
  • Seniority-based
  • Specialty-based
  • Continuing series
  • Department needs

Application Process for Outside Agency Classes

• Outside Agency Classes are organized and held by other agencies or educational organizations.
• Personnel who wish to attend these classes must apply following the instructions given on the class announcement.
• Applicant selection procedures may be based on:
  • First come, first served
  • Rank-based
  • Seniority-based
  • Specialty-based
  • Continuing series
  • Department needs

Sponsorships

• Sponsorship may include payment for:
  • Application
  • Registration
  • Tuition
  • Course fees
  • Books and texts
• Sponsorship will not include fees for:
  • Physical examinations
  • Initial applicant testing or remediation
  • Personal items

Tuition Reimbursements

• Prior to beginning a program, employees will complete the instructions outlined by the Training Division.
• Tuition will be paid in advance for all candidates whose job description requires a specific course or program.
• Tuition reimbursement or partial payment may be provided for other classes.

Training Leave

• The Department may authorize training leave to individuals using distinct criteria.
• All employee requests for training leave will be directed to the Battalion Chief.
• The Battalion Chief shall comment on the request and recommend either approving or disapproving the request.

Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP)

• The FTEP is designed to build upon the foundation of knowledge personnel receive during their professional career and supplement that knowledge with a well-rounded and specialized system of on-the-job training.
• Objectives of the FTEP include:
  • Providing for educational and training needs
  • Gaining experience and diversity in addressing mission needs
  • Encouraging self-development and personal enrichment
  • Evaluating the knowledge, skills, and abilities of new members

Quality Improvement Committee

• The QI Committee consists of the Quality Improvement Officer, the Deputy Chief of EMS Operations, the Medical Director, and any delegate as requested by the Medical Director.
• The Committee reviews cases, including:
  • ATU utilization
  • Cardiac/Respiratory arrests
  • Cricothyroidotomy
  • Dead-on-arrival (DOA) or Expired at Scene
  • TXA and tourniquets
  • Drowning and diving injuries
  • Needle thoracentesis
  • Advanced airway
  • Pediatric patients
  • Refusals and no transport
  • STEMI alerts
  • Stroke alerts
  • Trauma alerts
  • Trauma arrests### Certification Requirements
• St. Johns County Fire Rescue requires personnel to carry current certifications on their person at all times while on duty.
• Required certifications include:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) card or copy
  • State EMT or Paramedic certification card or copy
  • ACLS card or copy
  • Valid Florida Driver's license (no photocopy)
• Failure to present required certifications on demand can result in immediate suspension.

Certification and Recertification

• Employees are responsible for providing the Department with copies of new certifications or recertifications.
• The Department will provide copies of continuing education verification to assist personnel.
• Outside evaluators or educational components may be used if needed.

Quality Improvement (QI) Remediation Programs

• QI remediation programs vary in assignment and length depending on the circumstances of the identified need(s).
• The goal of the program is to ensure the provider is confident and comfortable with their skills and ability to perform at their licensed level.
• The program may include skills demonstrations or knowledge testing based on provider or Department need.
• A QI Remediation Final Report identifying the successful or unsuccessful completion will be kept in a QI department confidential file.

State Reporting Responsibilities

• The Fire Rescue Medical Director is responsible for determining the need to report incidents to the State of Florida.
• The Director will report incidents as directed in Florida Statute 401.411.

Objectives for Promoted Employees and Officer Development

• The Department will provide newly promoted employees with knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively perform within their new job description.
• The program will also apply to all officer ranks to address leadership, strategy/tactics, customer service, communication skills, interpersonal dynamics, and personnel evaluation.
• Objectives include:
  • Providing educational opportunities to enhance each applicable rank in their skill sets and knowledge.
  • Providing effective training at the applicable rank consistent with the position and Department expectations.
  • Providing effective mentoring at both a peer level and as a member of the chain of command.

Quality Improvement Committee

• The Medical Director shall establish a quality improvement committee to provide for quality improvement review of all emergency medical technicians and paramedics operating under their supervision.
• Patient care, transport, or treatment records or reports, or patient care quality improvement proceedings, records, or reports are confidential and exempt from public disclosure.
• Goals and objectives of the committee include:
  • Providing continuous quality improvement in the review of selected ePCRs for accuracy, adherence to medical standard operating protocols and procedures, and guidance to field personnel in the maintenance of excellent patient care.
  • Measuring and assessing the performance of system personnel and EMS delivery of care.
  • Measuring and trending patient outcomes.
  • Acquiring data and managing its application to the QI process.
  • Performing data analysis and developing and tracking trends.
  • Applying the information developed to enhance and promote overall quality of pre-hospital care rendered in St. Johns County.